⚡ Key Takeaways
- AEP runs Oct 15 – Dec 7 for January 1 effective dates the following year.
- MA-OEP (Jan 1 – Mar 31) allows ONE switch from MA to MA or MA to Original Medicare.
- GEP (Jan 1 – Mar 31) lets beneficiaries who missed the IEP enroll in Part A/B with July 1 effective date and Late Enrollment Penalty.
- Major SEPs: move, plan termination, dual-eligible change, LIS, 5-star, employer coverage loss, creditable drug coverage loss.
- LIS / Dual-Eligible beneficiaries get one Part D or MA switch per quarter for Q1, Q2, Q3.
- Connecticut
Key Takeaways
Every Medicare Enrollment Period at a Glance
Sources: Medicare Enrollment Periods, 42 CFR § 422.62
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Initial Coverage Election Period (ICEP)
Annual Election Period (AEP) — Oct 15 to Dec 7
Sources: Medicare AEP
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA-OEP) — Jan 1 to Mar 31
General Enrollment Period (GEP) — Jan 1 to Mar 31
Special Enrollment Periods — Comprehensive List
Sources: CMS Special Enrollment Periods
5-Star Special Enrollment Period
LIS / Extra Help Special Enrollment Period
Sources: SSA Extra Help
Medigap Enrollment Windows (Including CT Birthday Rule)
2026 Enrollment Period Deadlines Table
Medicare enrollment periods for the 2026 Plan Year
| Period | Window | What It Allows | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| IEP | 7 months around 65th birthday | Enroll in A, B, MA, D, Medigap (initial) | First of month varies by timing |
| ICEP | Same as IEP (or with Part B SEP) | Enroll in Medicare Advantage | First of month after enrollment |
| Initial Medigap OEP | 6 months from Part B effective date | Enroll in Medigap without underwriting | First of month after issue |
| AEP (for PY 2026) | Oct 15, 2025 – Dec 7, 2025 | Switch MA, switch Part D, MA↔Original | January 1, 2026 |
| AEP (for PY 2027) | Oct 15, 2026 – Dec 7, 2026 | Switch MA, switch Part D, MA↔Original | January 1, 2027 |
| MA-OEP | Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2026 | ONE MA switch or MA→Original + PDP | First of month after switch |
| GEP | Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2026 | Enroll in Part A/B if missed IEP | July 1, 2026 |
| 5-Star SEP | Dec 8 – Nov 30 each year | One switch to a 5-star plan | First of month after switch |
| LIS SEP | Q1, Q2, Q3 each year | One Part D switch per quarter | First of month after switch |
| Dual-Eligible SEP | Q1, Q2, Q3 each year | One MA or Part D switch per quarter | First of month after switch |
| Move SEP | Up to 2 months from move | Switch MA / Part D due to area change | First of month after enrollment |
| Plan Termination SEP | From CMS notice through end of next year | Switch to new plan | First of month after enrollment |
| Employer Coverage Loss SEP (Part B) | 8 months from coverage end | Enroll Part B without LEP | First of month after enrollment |
| Creditable Drug Coverage Loss SEP (Part D) | 63 days from coverage end | Enroll Part D without LEP | First of month after enrollment |
| CT Birthday Rule | 60 days from birthday | Switch Medigap to equal/lesser plan no UW | First of month after issue |
Three Connecticut Enrollment-Period Scenarios
Scenario 1 — Hartford: The Mid-Year Move Triggers a SEP
Scenario 2 — Stamford: The MA-OEP Escape
Scenario 3 — Norwich: The LIS SEP Optimization
Extended Connecticut Enrollment-Period Analysis (2026)
Sources: Medicare.gov AEP
Sources: Medicare.gov MA-OEP
Sources: CMS SEP Chart
Sources: BENES Act Summary
Sources: CT DSS Medicare Savings
Sources: Medicare Rights Center
Sources: Medicare.gov ANOC
Sources: Medicare & You
Sources: CT CHOICES SHIP
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2026 Annual Election Period happen?
October 15 through December 7, 2025 for January 1, 2026 effective dates. The next AEP runs October 15 through December 7, 2026 for January 1, 2027 effective dates.
What is the MA Open Enrollment Period?
January 1 through March 31 each year. Allows ONE change: switch from MA to MA, or switch from MA to Original Medicare (with the option to add a stand-alone Part D plan). Does NOT allow switching from Original Medicare to MA.
What is the difference between AEP and MA-OEP?
AEP (Oct 15–Dec 7) allows any switch among MA, Part D, and Original Medicare. MA-OEP (Jan 1–Mar 31) allows only one switch from MA to MA or MA to Original Medicare for beneficiaries already enrolled in MA.
Can I switch Medicare plans because I moved?
Yes — a Move SEP runs for 2 months from the date of the move (or 3 months if you notify the carrier in advance). The SEP allows you to switch to a plan available in your new ZIP code.
What is the LIS SEP?
Beneficiaries enrolled in the Low-Income Subsidy (Extra Help) program get one Part D plan change per calendar quarter for the first three quarters of the year, plus the standard AEP. Dual-eligible beneficiaries get a parallel MA SEP.
What is the 5-Star SEP?
A SEP allowing one switch per year to a 5-star CMS-rated MA or Part D plan, available from December 8 through November 30 of the following year. Connecticut 5-star plan availability is limited.
What happens if I miss the IEP and have no SEP?
You can enroll in Part A and B during the General Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31 each year, with a July 1 effective date), but you will pay the Late Enrollment Penalty and have a 4–6 month coverage gap. Avoid this by engaging an agent before your IEP begins.
Does Connecticut have a unique Medigap enrollment window?
Yes — the Connecticut Birthday Rule (CGS § 38a-495b) provides a 60-day window beginning on the policyholder’s birthday during which any Medigap policyholder age 65+ can switch to an equal or lesser Medigap plan from any carrier without medical underwriting.
What documentation does my broker need for a Move SEP?
Proof of the move and the new address — typically a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, voter registration, or driver’s license update. The broker submits the documentation with the SEP enrollment.
Can I leave my MA plan if I am unhappy after the MA-OEP ends?
Generally no without an SEP. The next opportunity to switch is the AEP starting October 15. Some SEPs (move, plan termination, LIS change, dual-eligible change, 5-star, contract change) may apply if a qualifying event occurs.
How does my broker know which SEP I qualify for?
A capable broker maintains an enrollment-period worksheet for each client, asks SEP-triggering questions during every contact, and tracks events (moves, marriages, divorces, work changes, MSP/LIS status changes) that might create switching opportunities. Year-round service is what makes SEP optimization possible.
Can I switch Medigap plans during AEP?
Medigap is not regulated by AEP — Medigap enrollment is governed by the Initial Medigap Open Enrollment Period, federal Guaranteed Issue Rights, the Connecticut Birthday Rule, and standard medical underwriting outside those windows. The AEP affects only MA and Part D.